Louisiana's largest new casino project builds management team in Bossier City

Cordish Gaming Group continues to build out its senior management team at Louisiana's largest new casino project in Bossier City, which the company's top executives say will rival properties in Las Vegas.

Bryan Prettyman has been promoted to senior vice presidnt of property operations at the new Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana, joining John J. Chaszar, the resort's executive vice president and general manager.

Cordish is investing nearly $300 million in the project, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.

Prettyman is responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies and initiatives to establish Live! as a top casino resort in the market. He will oversee all non-gaming resort operations including hotel, food and beverage, security, environmental services and facility management.

Prettyman has more than 36 years of experience in the industry, holding previous leadership positions at properties across New Jersey, Mississippi, California, Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Louisiana.

He most recently served as vice president of slots and marketing for Live! Casino Pittsburgh.

Prettyman also previously served as senior marketing leader for Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Okla., one of the largest casino resort operations in the United States.

“I’m excited to assemble a top-tier leadership team at Live! Louisiana to orchestrate the launch of our expansive new property,” Chaszar said in a statement. “Bryan’s extensive expertise will bolster the national Live! Casino brand and cement Live! Louisiana as an unmatched gaming and entertainment destination in the region.”

Cordish executives have said they intend for the new Live! Casino to be a destination resort that will attract conventions and tourists from beyond Louisiana's borders.

"It's going to have a quality and energy that when you walk into this property, you'll feel like you're in a premier casino and resort in the top gaming markets, including Las Vegas," said Jon Cordish, a partner with The Cordish Companies, in a previous interview with USA Today Network.

Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler called the project "the largest venture that has happened in our area in a long time."

Among the highlights of the Live! project: Sports & Social sports bar and restaurant curated by James Beard Award nominee Chef John Suley; PBR Cowboy Bar; Luk Fu, a restaurant featuring the traditional flavors of Southeast Asia; and a fine dining steakhouse yet to be branded.

Cordish said the project will create 750 permanent gaming and hospitality jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $30 million in addition to 750 construction jobs.

More:Here's who Cordish has chosen to run its $270 million Louisiana casino in Bossier City

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.